Guide To DesignPhiladelphia 2012

Fashion, furniture, art…it all begins with design. This October, check out Philly’s vibrant design scene at the aptly-named DesignPhiladelphia, featuring five days of workshops, conferences, installations, exhibits and more. – Chelsea Karnash

What: DesignPhiladelphia is five days of design-centric programming. Now in its eighth year, the event includes more than 500 national and international designers from all disciplines and more than 120 events in venues in and around Philly.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012

Schedule: There are 120 events, and you definitely can’t attend them all. Check out our picks below.

Help kick-off this year’s DesignPhiladelphia Festival with fashion shows, design exhibits, signature cocktails from Art in the Age and more inside a 10,000 square foot warehouse in NoLibs. Then, the party continues with a free street festival outside on the 900 block of Canal Street, starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Philadelphia area’s Master of Horror, film director M. Night Shyamalan, lives on the city’s outskirts in a home he deemed “Ravenwood.” Tonight, architect Richard Cameron, who created the house, will give a presentation on his work and what went into building Ravenwood.

FRIDAY

Tales the Cocktail Tells
More Than Old
144 N 3rd St
6 – 9 p.m., FREE

This event at More Than Old will show guests how to design the perfect cocktail party for groups ranging from 10 people to over 100. Plus, check out both vintage and contemporary cocktail accessories on display throughout the festival.

Take a guided tour of the newly renovated Reading Terminal Market with architect Anthony Bracali (of Friday Architects/Planners, Inc.) and General Manager Paul Steinke. You’ll get to sample goodies from select vendors, too! Just FYI, the tour is limited to 15 people, so you should reserve your spot ASAP.

Take a 12 mile bike ride that starts at 30th Street Station and meanders along trails, under bridges and through the city at an easy pace. Refreshments follow the ride. Make sure to bring spare tube, your helmet, a lock, lights and your camera.